christmas eve

Christmas Eve has a lot of traditions that are even more special to me than Christmas day. Since many of them were not able to be carried out because we were not able to go "home" for Christmas this year, I tried to make it a little extra special here where we are.

We had a big dinner before the Christmas Eve service.




...which we all enjoyed


After the Christmas Eve service, we drove around and looked at Christmas lights. We all loved Leah's reactions to the decorations. She started by singing "pretty lights" over and over to the tune of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. She giggled, said "Wow", "Look at that- it's cool!", "I count the candy canes!", "Holy cow", "Ooh!" and much more- to the sheer delight of everyone in the car :)


When we got home the kids opened one gift each from us. PJs of course! That is a tradition from when I was a kid that we have not always been able to keep. Last year we had a little help in reviving that tradition and this year the Lord just amazed us with provision and we were once again able to keep it going :)





After getting into their pajamas, we had hot chocolate and popcorn, pulled out the couch, got comfy and watched "It's a Wonderful Life".



(I know I look a little like death warmed over, but it was a long week and I'm sure I'll be much more refreshed tomorrow!)




Then Matt and I finished wrapping stocking stuffers and now....it's off to bed knowing that we will be waking up to our traditional breakfast in bed. The last thing Bri said to me before going to bed tonight was, "Just text me what you want for breakfast". She can be sure I will :)